Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of real criminal cases, including details that may be disturbing to some listeners.This week’s Side Bar dives into the Karen Read trial, as the hosts break down the latest developments and debate the questions everyone’s asking. ABOUT THE CASE:In January 2022, her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, was found dead in the snow outside a fellow officer’s house in Canton, Massachusetts. Prosecutors accused Read of striking O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of drinking, then leaving him to die. Her defense team countered that she was framed in a law-enforcement cover-up — claiming O’Keefe was assaulted inside the home and that Read had dropped him off safely. The first trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. In June 2025, Read was acquitted of the most serious charges (murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene) but was found guilty of operating under the influence (OUI), receiving probation rather than prison._______________________________WELCOME TO SIDE BAR — a spirited spinoff of Criminal Appeal, where host Dr. Casey Jordan and co-host Dr. Colleen Butler-Sweet take their conversations from the courtroom to the cocktail bar. In these quick, 15-minute episodes, the co-hosts unwind over drinks, sharing candid takes on justice, behavior, and the stories that didn’t make it into the main show.🗓️Release Schedule : Side Bar episodes drop biweekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.🔔 Next Side Bar Episode released on Thursday 11/13/25🔔 Subscribe for More True Crime _________________________________This episode is brought to you by Litchfield Distillery — “The Spirit of Hard Work.” Based in Litchfield, Connecticut, Litchfield Distillery is known for its handcrafted, small-batch spirits made with locally sourced ingredients. From award-winning bourbons to refreshing ready-to-drink cocktails, every bottle reflects a dedication to quality and craftsmanship.Find Litchfield Distillery products at litchfielddistillery.com or visit their tasting room in Litchfield, CT to experience their full lineup in person.__________________________________Listen on your audio platforms :
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⚠️ SENSITIVITY WARNING: This episode discusses severe topics including the murder of a child, psychopathy, and premeditated violence within a family. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
In Part 2 of our deep dive into the Paris Bennett case, we shift the focus to Laura, the mother at the center of this complex story. Featuring exclusive clips from The Family I Had' documentary, this episode explores her perspective on the crime, her ongoing relationship with Paris, and how she’s sought understanding and accountability in the years since.
❓ANSWER THIS❓ After watching both parts, do you believe Paris’s actions were driven by pure intent—or something deeper, like mental illness or family dynamics?
🔔 Next episode drops November 18th ... Talking Linda Bigazzi
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This episode is made possible by Ventura Law | The Accident Law Firm
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⚠️ SENSITIVITY WARNING: This episode discusses severe topics including the murder of a child, psychopathy, and premeditated violence within a family. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
In this Part 1 deep dive into one of the most disturbing cases of juvenile homicide, we analyze the chilling psychology of a boy who murdered his younger sister, Ella, at the age of 13. What drove him to such a heinous act against his own family? Was it just a desire to cause pain to his mother, Charity?
This episode features analysis of the crime and includes exclusive, unsettling clips from the notorious Piers Morgan 'Psychopath' interview where Paris reveals his unsettling lack of remorse and chilling mindset.
🔥 Watch Part 2 !
Part 2 will cover the aftermath, the mother's painful struggle, and feature clips from the emotional documentary "The Family I Had."
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This episode is made possible by Ventura Law | The Accident Law Firm
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NEW EPISODE EVERY WEEK ! Criminal Appeal is a bold new true crime podcast hosted by Criminologist and Attorney Dr. Casey Jordan and Professor Dr. Colleen Butler-Sweet. Unlike other true crime shows, Criminal Appeal goes beyond retelling stories—it brings decades of real-world expertise directly to the mic. Dr. Jordan, a renowned criminologist and legal analyst with more than 3,000 media appearances on CNN, HLN, and Investigation Discovery, shares firsthand insights drawn from her work as a criminologist, attorney, investigative profiler, researcher, and consultant. Together with Dr. Butler-Sweet, they tackle both high-profile and lesser-known cases with sharp analysis, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and thought-provoking conversation. The result is a podcast that bridges academia, law, and lived experience—giving listeners not just the story, but the deeper truth about crime and justice.
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YouTubeApple PodcastPatreon Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Website Find your hosts:Dr. Casey Jordan Dr. Colleen Butler-Sweet #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #truecrimecommunity #killer #parisbennett #thefamilyIhad #childpyschopath